After the long hot summer . . . It’s time to introduce our new Interns at RSPB Ynys-hir.

Here at Ynys-hir we offer two 6-month internships. A internship catapults aspiring conservationists on to the front line of work undertaken by the RSPB. This can include anything from helping with bird surveys, to getting involved with large scale land management projects. Teaching and inspiring the next generation of wardens.

We would like to share with you the experience and progress of our new members of the team. So, let’s meet them.

Ben . . .

Hi everyone, my name’s Ben and I’m one of this year’s conservation interns. I spent 4 years studying zoology and conservation at university, and have spent the last 3 years working on various projects, from conserving little tern colonies at Chesil Beach, Gronant Dunes and Spurn Point, to conducting ecological research in Borneo and South Africa. I would love to pursue a career in conservation, and this internship is the perfect opportunity to improve my skill set for this goal.

Having grown up in Wales, it’s fantastic to be back at last, and nothing could be a better welcome than seeing the red kites circling overhead once again.

Since starting at Ynys-hir last week, I’ve already taken part in a varied programme of work, including rhododendron clearance, wader surveys, and the installation of a new sluice to improve drainage. I’m very much looking forward to getting stuck in to more projects throughout my time on the reserve, developing new practical skills and gaining an understanding of project management.

After completing an Engineering degree, I decided that I wanted to forge a different path and work in conservation. As a young man I joined the RSPB because I wanted to help protect the environment for birds to live in. I found the volunteer internship at Ynys-hir through their website. This looked to be an opportunity to see conservation in action, as well as gaining some hands-on experience.

I can say that this placement is already so much more than I hoped for. Ynys-hir is like a treasure island. It boasts a variety of undisturbed habitats to explore, all within a designated UNESCO biosphere. It has been such a privilege to join the staff and volunteers. All the different parts working together to make the whole. Everyone is very friendly and supportive, and the pool of knowledge to draw from is huge. I can’t wait to get stuck in.

Continue to watch this space as we follow the interns their experiences during their time at RSPB Ynys-hir